Laloo’s largesse

This will entitle the ministers for life — along with their spouse, family members and dependents — to complete medical treatment in government hospitals, railway hospitals and even in speciality hospitals which are recognised by the Railways. These include hospitals like Apollo at Delhi and Chennai, Batra in Delhi and Jaslok in Mumbai.

Even married daughters of ministers will be entitled to ‘‘concessional rates’’ for hospitalisation, and complete ante-natal and post-natal periods for the first two pregnancies. The ministers and other family members will receive complete medical benefits — hospitalisation, examination, operations, heart surgeries, diet and any other treatment required.

Free medical facilities join the long list of benefits already enjoyed by the Railway ministers — luxury saloons, guesthouses, free family travel, battery of attendants all over the country. The only difference is that medical privileges would be life-long.

‘‘This is yet another incentive for politicians to covet the Railway Ministry. As it is, every time the Cabinet portfolios are being decided, there is a fight over the Railways. Now, even if anybody becomes a Railway minister for a few weeks, he will be entitled to life-long free medical facilities,’’ an official said.

The only rider, as per the Railway Board order issued on July 28, is that the ministers would have to contribute an equivalent of their one month’s basic salary once in a lifetime.

The fear among government officials is that the extension of medical facilities by the Railways may set a precedent where politicians, heading other ministries, may start demanding similar benefits.

‘‘As of now, no other ministry offers such benefits. There is a lot that ministries like Defence and Civil Aviation can offer. It will not be surprising if those heading these ministries start asking for unreasonable benefits or facilities which their employees enjoy after decades of service,’’ an official added.